Natus Vincere coach Andriy “B1ad3” Gorodensky commented on the possibility of team reshuffling. He noted that “if we do not reach the quarterfinals of the major, we will start thinking about some changes.” These words came against the backdrop of NAVI's recent poor performances: the team has not yet demonstrated stability, and the results in several tournaments are far from ideal.
Reasons for concern
- ESL Pro League Season 21: 5-8th place, 0-2 defeat, only $18 000 in prize money
- Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025: 3rd - 4th place and $80 000
- BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: 3-4 place and $22 500, but the overall performance of the team raised many questions
The statistics are also worrisome: the average fragging and overall NAVI rating during recent performances were among the worst for the team in recent years.
B1ad3's words about possible changes
In his interview, the coach emphasized that the organization is not going to make “panic decisions” right now. However, Major will become a kind of “deadline” after which the management can take tough steps:
If we do not reach the quarterfinals of the Major, we will begin to realize that we are moving in the wrong direction and need to change something. It can be roles, it can be players...Andriy “B1ad3” Gorodensky
According to B1ad3, the team has two more tournaments before the major - IEM Melbourne and PGL Astana 2025- and plans to hold a bootcamp and continue working on improving the map pool. The future of the lineup will depend on the results of these preparatory steps.
Why NAVI is not in the best shape
- Changes in the CS2 objective: The transition to a new game requires adaptation of strategies and team roles.
- Increasing competition: More and more teams with talented players are appearing on the scene, so places at the top of the standings are becoming scarce.
- Unstable individual performances: The average fragging rates and overall contribution of players in the EPL S21 and BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 matches leave much to be desired.
The next test is a match with Spirit
Today, NAVI will meet Team Spirit in the BLAST Open Spring 2025, where the team's fate in the tournament will be decided. In case of another defeat, the pressure on the team will only increase, as there are a number of important events ahead, including PGL Astana 2025.
- Format: BLAST matches are currently being played in Bo3 duels, so NAVI will have few chances to correct mistakes.
- Possible opponents: if NAVI advance, Vitality will be waiting for them
A look into the future
B1ad3's position seems logical: the organization wants to avoid harsh decisions without good reason, but at the same time makes it clear that patience is not unlimited. If NAVI fails to meet expectations at the major again, the team may face significant changes - from role reversals to the replacement of individual players.
Therefore, the upcoming tournaments are a crucial stage where NAVI must demonstrate that they are still capable of competing for the highest titles. Whether the “born to win” will be able to return to the top will be shown by the next month of intense confrontations in CS2.
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